VR Soccer '96

Actua Soccer is one of the first soccer games ever that presents a true 3D environment and allows for up to 4 players to play on the same computer.

The game is very long on atmosphere, with superb commentary from Andy Davies that greatly adds to the excitement. While the gameplay is arguably inferior to 2D soccer games such as Sensible World of Soccer (curved balls are quite difficult to perform due to awkward controls, for example), graphics in Actua Soccer is used to great effect. There is a lot of good camera angles, an exceptionaly excellent option of Action Replays, stadium and crowd details, and great sound effects. All of these factors combined create all the atmosphere of a real-life match. You can choose to have a video wall, you can choose to have commentary provided by Barry Davies.... you can even choose what direction you want the tractor to cut the turf. You can play any of the 44 international teams, each with 22 players, each of whom with 8 individual skill factors that do make an impact. You can customise cups, leagues and teams/players to your heart's content, and infinite camera angles let you watch the players from every perspective.

Overall, Actua Soccer deserves recognition as one of the pioneers in 3D soccer games, and it was years ahead of EA's better-known FIFA Soccer at the time of release. Actua Soccer won't dethrone the likes of Kick Off 3 as arcade-soccer classics, but it offers enough adrenaline rush and "you-are-there" impression to make it an addictive game. Highly recommended!

Review By HOTUD